Beverage container comprising connectable segments

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to a beverage container which includes a plurality of interconnecting segments. In a specific embodiment, a plurality of stainless steel segments may be threadedly connected to form a drinking glass having a customizable exterior graphic design. The graphic design may be altered by swapping out one or more segments.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of beverage containers. More specifically, beverage containers comprising multiple components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Businesses, such as restaurants, bars, and breweries commonly sell or give away promotional beverage containers emblazoned with logos, trademarks, slogans, etc. These beverage containers may include pint glasses, insulated coffee mugs, vacuum-sealed tumblers, and the like. While consumers may consider purchasing one of these beverage containers, they may ultimately be dissuaded from doing so based upon one or more undesirable designs or features being presented in combination with one or more desirable designs or features. As an example, a particular consumer may wish to purchase an item featuring the company's logo but may not be particularly fond of the company's slogan written beneath the logo. In this regard, combinations of design elements may result in lost sales and revenue.

Furthermore, some customer may be inclined to purchase a promotional beverage container but may ultimately be dissuaded from doing so based upon the volume of space required to house a collection of containers accrued from various locations. In other words, while a consumer may desire to purchase an emblazoned pint glass from each destination they visit on vacation, they may decide that doing so is impractical as they would amass an undesirable quantity of pint glasses which requires excessive storage space in their home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based upon at least the above factors, there remains a need for a product which: 1) allows consumers to select various design options to customize a beverage container rather than being presented with a limited selection of pre-designed options; and/or 2) provides for acquisition of a number of souvenir components from various locations to be incorporated into a beverage container without requiring purchase of an entire beverage container at each location.

The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container comprising a plurality of connectable segments. Some of the segments may have a substantially tubular or ring-shaped design and may be attachable to a base member to vertically construct a container therefrom. Each segment may have one or more exterior graphic designs such that a custom overall design may be formed by mating user-selected segments. In this regard, each segment or some of the segments may be emblazoned with designs (e.g., trademarks, sports team logos, etc.) such that a user may select desired designs and construct a custom beverage container which includes the desired designs, colors, logos, imagery, etc. A complete set of connectable segments sufficient to form an entire beverage container may be provided, or segments may be provided individually to allow a consumer to select desired segments to form a customizable beverage container. In other words, a consumer may purchase or receive an entire beverage container or may receive a single member that may be later connected to other members to for a beverage container. For example, a consumer might purchase a complete beverage container (e.g., pint sized drinking cup) featuring a certain beer logo from a brewery on the middle section of the container. Later, that consumer might purchase a separate middle section that has a different beer logo on it. The consumer could then disassemble the container and swap out the middle sections to construct a custom container featuring the designs of their choice.

In an aspect of the present invention, a segmented beverage container may include a base member, a rim member, and at least one intermediate member disposed between the base member and rim member when the container is in an assembled configuration. It should be appreciated that any number of intermediate members may be included. In the case of two or more intermediate members, each intermediate member may have a different height than others or they may all have the same height. A user may select a desired number of intermediate members to construct a beverage container of a desired size.

The base member may have a bottom panel and a base member wall extending from a perimeter of the bottom panel. The rim member may include a rim member wall and the intermediate member may have an intermediate member wall. The base member may be removably attachable to the intermediate member via a first set of threads extending from the base member wall and a corresponding second set of threads extending from the intermediate member wall. Notably, the base member wall may substantially comprise only the set of threads or it may have a substantial depth (e.g., height of base member wall) such that the base member itself has a generally cup-like appearance with threads protruding from the wall for attachment of additional members.

Similar to the interconnection of the base member to the intermediate member, the intermediate member may be removably attachable to the rim member via a third set of threads extending from the intermediate member wall and a corresponding fourth set of threads extending from the rim member wall. Notably, a feature which distinguishes an intermediate member from a rim member is that an intermediate member may have threads at both ends of the tube formed by the intermediate member wall whereas a rim member only has threads at one end of the tube formed thereby. Also of note, seams formed between the base member, the at least one intermediate member, and the rim member may be flush such that a continuous substantially smooth surface is formed across the joints.

The bottom panel and the base member wall may collectively define a first volume (similar to a standard cup shape); the intermediate member wall may define a second volume (inside the tube formed thereby); and the rim member wall may define a third volume (inside the tube formed thereby). When in the assembled configuration, the first volume may be in fluid communication with the second volume and the second volume may be in fluid communication with the third volume such that the first, second, and third volumes collectively define a central cavity having an opening extending through the rim member. In the described embodiment, when in the assembled configuration, the opening through the rim member may be the only fluid passageway between the central cavity and an exterior environment (e.g., ambient air).

In an embodiment, a segmented beverage container may include a reference axis normal to the bottom panel. Each of the base member, the rim member, and the at least one intermediate member may be centered around the reference axis. The various components are stacked or assembled in a direction extending along the reference axis.

Although all of the members may be centered around the reference axis, they may each extend different distances therefrom. For example, a diameter of the rim member may be larger than a maximum diameter of the base member. In such an embodiment, an exterior surface of the intermediate wall may be tapered outward toward the rim member such that the outer diameter of the intermediate wall is larger near the rim member than near the base member. In some embodiments, the taper may be constant such that the diameter changes at a consistent rate over the height of the intermediate member(s) (e.g., resembling a standard pint glass) and in others, the rate of change of the diameter may vary. In fact, an outer diameter of an intermediate member at a given location may be less than an outer diameter of the base member. For example, the outer wall of an intermediate member may get smaller over a distance extending along the reference axis from the base member toward the rim member and then may gradually flare out to a larger diameter before joining the rim member (e.g., resembling a flared pilsner glass). An interior surface of the intermediate wall may be similarly tapered. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the central cavity at any location along the reference axis may be larger than at any other location along the reference axis nearer the bottom panel. The rate of increase in diameter may fluctuate or may be constant.

It should be appreciated that the term “diameter” herein is used based upon the tubular and cylindrical embodiments illustrated and described. However, the inventor appreciates that the members need not be round or annular but may be hexagonal, square, etc. In such cases, the term diameter may refer a cross-sectional maximum width, or the like, of the referenced dimension.

In another embodiment, the at least one intermediate member may comprise at least two intermediate members. In some instances, a first intermediate member of the at least two intermediate members may have a thickness in a direction parallel to the reference axis (e.g., height) that is different than a thickness in that direction of a second intermediate member of the at least two intermediate members. In other words, the heights of various intermediate members may be different or may be the same. To illustrate, a user may select a single intermediate member having a height of, for example, four inches to construct a container having a 16-ounce central cavity volume and/or may add an additional intermediate member having a height of two inches to expand the container to a 20-ounce central cavity volume.

In an embodiment, a stability portion of the base member may be concentrically disposed about the reference axis and may be planar such that the container is stabilized in an upright position when the stability portion is disposed upon a level support surface such that the reference axis is normal to the support surface. In this regard, the term stability portion may refer to a region of the bottom panel which contacts a support surface (e.g., table, countertop, etc.) when the container is rested thereupon. This may include the entirety of the bottom surface of the bottom panel in the event that a flat bottom panel is used, or may include a ring-shaped region of the bottom panel in the event that the bottom panel is arched upward toward the central cavity.

In an embodiment, the rim member may have a smooth drinking surface configured for engagement with a mouth of a user which facilitates transfer of beverage from the central cavity. This feature may serve to distinguish a rim member from an intermediate member in that an intermediate member would have threads near the portion which is smooth on a rim member. Additionally, a rim member will typically have a smaller height (parallel to reference axis) than an intermediate member, although this may not always be the case.

In order to ensure retention of a beverage when the container is upright (e.g., rim member at a higher elevation than base member), a segmented beverage container may include a first gasket disposed between the base member at the at least one intermediate member and a second gasket disposed between the at least one intermediate member and the rim member. Ideally, a gasket will be disposed in each joint at which one member connects to another member. Gaskets may be constructed from rubber, foam, polymer, or any other suitable material.

The various members (base, intermediate, and rim) may be constructed from any suitable material and may not necessarily be constructed from the same material. For example, in one embodiment, at least the at least one intermediate member may be constructed from a metal. The metal may be aluminum, stainless steel, or any other metal suitable for safe containment of beverages. Alternatively or additionally, some members may be constructed from plastic, as may be the case with three-dimensionally printed members. In some embodiments, an intermediate member may have insulation such as polystyrene or a vacuum chamber disposed between an exterior surface of the intermediate wall and an interior surface of the intermediate wall. One or more metal panels defining the interior and exterior surfaces may be crimped, welded, or otherwise sealed together to retain a vacuum chamber for insulative purposes (e.g., to keep a beverage chilled). Notably, a base member and/or a rim member may also contain vacuum chambers extending around the central cavity. However, as the base member and rim member may in some embodiments have a much smaller surface area, it is less critical to include insulative characteristics in these portions.

In some embodiments, a handle may extend from an exterior portion of an intermediate member. The handle may define a loop sized for receipt of a portion of a hand of a user to support the container. In other embodiments, a stem may extend from a bottom side of the container. Similar to a wine glass, the slender stem may be connected to a broadened base with a substantially flat bottom on one end, and to the base member of the container on the other. In some embodiments, the stem may be integral with the base member and in other embodiments it may be threaded or otherwise connected to a base member.

Further, in some embodiments a lid may be provided. The lid may snap, thread, press fit with a gasket, or otherwise engage a rim member. Alternatively, a lid may be used in lieu of a rim member and may directly engage an intermediate member on a side opposite a base member. In either regard, a lid may effectively close or seal the central cavity to retain the beverage. In some implementations, a lid may have an orifice with a relatively small cross section to permit the flow of liquid from the central cavity at a reduced rate.

As mentioned above, it should be appreciated that a segmented beverage container may include one or more additional members. The additional member may be considered surplus members that may be substituted for the at least one intermediate member such that the at least one intermediate member is omittable from the container in the assembled configuration. In other words, a plurality of intermediate members may be provided, from which a user may select the intermediate members desired for assembling a beverage container. As an example, a kit may include ten intermediate members each having a different graphical design or other feature. A user may select one or two of these ten intermediate members in order to construct a beverage container of average size. Optionally, the user could select three or more intermediate members to construct a large beverage container.

In an embodiment, a segmented beverage container may have graphically-designed exterior décor. A first graphic design on the additional member may be different than a second graphic design on the at least one intermediate member. In this regard, a user may choose to substitute the additional member for the intermediate member based upon a desired graphic design on the additional member. The first and second graphic designs may be formed from one or more of screen-printed ink design, laser-etching, hand-carving, 3D printed patterns, hand- or machine-painted images, powder-coating, etc. A first graphic design on the additional member may have a color that is different than a similar second graphic design on the at least one intermediate member. In some of these or other embodiments, the members may have an exterior surface which is substantially entirely coated, as may be the case with powder-coating, such that a user may select colors of segments to construct a drinking container with alternating or varying color bands providing a striped appearance.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for using a segmented beverage container includes: providing a base member that has a bottom panel and a first set of threads. The base member may be free of apertures. As used herein, the term “aperture” refers to a hole or orifice that passes all the way through the component in which it is disposed, thereby forming two openings that are interconnected by the aperture. Accordingly, the base member may include a recess, having a single opening, that serves to retain a beverage but may be free from any apertures. The method may further include providing an intermediate member comprising an intermediate wall having an annular shape and forming a first aperture through the intermediate member. In this regard, the intermediate member may have a generally tubular shape. The intermediate member may further include second and third sets of threads. The second and third sets of threads may be disposed at opposite ends of the first aperture. The method may further include providing a rim member having a rim member wall that is annular in shape, the rim member wall forming a second aperture through the rim member. The rim member may further include a fourth set of threads and a smooth surface disposed on an opposite end of the second aperture from the fourth set of threads. Additionally, the method may include: assembling the segmented beverage container by engaging the first set of threads with the second set of threads and engaging the third set of threads with the fourth set of threads; and pouring a beverage into a central cavity formed by the first aperture and the second aperture which is constrained at the bottom by the bottom panel. Notably, a portion of the central cavity may extend into the base member when the base member includes an unthreaded portion of base member wall between the bottom panel and the threads. In other instances, the base member may comprise only a bottom panel and threaded wall extending therefrom such that when mated with the intermediate member, the intermediate member wall extends to the bottom panel. In this regard, the base member may not contribute to the volume of the central cavity.

The described method may further include: disposing the beverage container on a substantially horizontal surface such that a portion of the bottom panel contacts the horizontal surface; lifting the segmented beverage container from the horizontal surface; and consuming a portion of the beverage from the central cavity. It should be appreciated that the intermediate member may be a single unit or may be formed from at least two distinct segments interconnected, e.g., via threads.

Numerous additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the embodiment descriptions provided hereinbelow. It should be appreciated that although described in the context of a beverage container, the present invention may be similarly applicable to containers for the storage of other liquids and the invention is not limited only to beverage and drinking containers. In fact, the inventor contemplates many uses outside the field of beverage and liquid storage.

It is envisaged that the various members described herein (base, intermediate, rim, lid, etc.) in relation to a beverage container (e.g., drinking glass) could also be used to construct many other types of containers, holders, cases, and the like. For example, a base member engaged with one or more intermediate members could form a candle-holder with a reservoir for collecting melted wax. Alternatively, a series of intermediate members could be connected to form a storage or transport tube which could be sealed on both end with base members. Such a tube may be used to protect posters or blueprints during transport, shipping, or storage. Similarly, such a tube could be used to transport various types of gear, such as a fishing pole, when traveling in order to provide a protective shell for the gear. This may particularly be the case in instances in which the members are constructed from hard materials such as stainless steel. Advantageously, the length of such a storage or transport tube could be adjusted to fit various devices via the addition or subtraction of intermediate members.

As illustrated by the various examples above, it should be appreciated that base members, intermediate members, additional members, rim members, lids, etc. as described herein may be used to construct a variety of different sizes and shapes of containers (particularly but not necessarily, e.g., tubular or cylindrical containers), sealed on one end, both ends, or neither end. The scope of this variety of configurable and customizable containers is within the scope of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a segmented beverage container.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the container.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a cross-section of the container.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the container.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a side view cross-section of a tapered wall.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flared intermediate member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an overview of an exemplary segmented beverage container 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. Base member 101, and more specifically bottom panel 107 may serve as the foundation for the beverage container 100 and may define the ‘bottom’ thereof. Rim member 102 may define the ‘top’ of the beverage container 100. The rim member 102 includes an opening 104 into the central cavity of the container. Between the base member 101 and rim member 102, any number of tubular intermediate members may be disposed. In the illustrated embodiment, three intermediate members 103 a-103 c are provided. Reference axis 113 passes through the center of the opening 104 and center of the base member 101.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a cutaway cross-section of the beverage container 100. Intermediate member walls 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c correspond to intermediate members 103 a, 103 b, and 103 c, respectively. Base member wall 108 is illustrated with a small section of base member wall that is unthreaded disposed between bottom panel 107 and a threaded portion of the base member wall. In this regard, a volume of space between the bottom of the base member threads and the bottom panel may be included in the total volume of the central cavity 106. In other embodiments, the entirety of the base member wall 108 may be threaded such that the adjacent intermediate member seats against the bottom panel 107 such that the base member 101 effectively contributes no additional volume to central cavity 106. Rim member wall 109 in the illustrated embodiment is entirely threaded. It should be appreciated that the rim member wall 109 may be constructed with a greater height such that a portion of the rim member wall 109 may not be threaded. Rim member 102 also includes a drinking surface 111 that is disposed opposite the rim member threads 105 b. The drinking surface 111 is substantially smooth and free from protrusions (e.g., threads) to facilitate consumption of a beverage from the central cavity 106.

As shown, each member (i.e., component or segment) of the beverage container 100 may be connected to one or more adjacent members by corresponding sets of threads. One such pairing is labelled, set of threads 105 a on rim member wall 109 is engaged with set of threads 105 b of intermediate member wall 110 a. It should be appreciated that although illustrated with set of threads 105 a being exterior in relation to set of threads 105 b, the relative positioning of the sets of threads may be reversed. Such an arrangement may similarly be used for each of the other corresponding sets of threads as well. Furthermore, a gasket may be positioned within each joint formed by adjacent members such as gasket 112 disposed between intermediate members 103 a and 103 b.

It should be appreciated that although the described embodiment utilizes threads to connect adjacent segments, alternative means are contemplated. For example, one or more latches may be provided on the exterior surface to attach adjacent segments to one another.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the beverage container. Bottom panel 107 may be seen through opening 104 of rim member 102 (see FIG. 1) with drinking surface 111 extending around the opening 104.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate two embodiments of intermediate members having tapered walls. In FIG. 6A, intermediate member 603 a has a tapered wall housing a recess with threads 605 a. Corresponding threads 605 b extending from intermediate member 603 b may selectively engage threads 605 a to secure intermediate member 603 a to intermediate member 603 b. Similarly, FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative embodiment of intermediate members 603 a, 603 b in which the recess of 603 a has dual threaded walls 605 c and the extension from intermediate member 603 b has corresponding dual threaded walls 605 d. Notably, the mating structure of the illustrated embodiments (a recess and corresponding extension) could also be used in embodiments of intermediate members with walls that are not tapered.

FIG. 7 illustrates an intermediate member 703 that has a flared section that transitions from a small size to a larger size. In this regard, intermediate member 703 may be disposed between a base member or intermediate member having a first cross dimension (e.g., diameter) and a rim member, lid, or second intermediate member having a second cross dimension.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain known modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A segmented beverage container, comprising: a base member including a bottom panel and a base member wall extending from a perimeter of said bottom panel; a rim member having rim member wall; and at least one intermediate member disposed between said base member and said rim member when said segmented beverage container is in an assembled configuration, said at least one intermediate member having an intermediate member wall; wherein said base member is removably attachable to said at least one intermediate member via a first set of threads extending from said base member wall and a corresponding second set of threads extending from said intermediate member wall, and wherein said at least one intermediate member is removably attachable to said rim member via a third set of threads extending from said intermediate member wall and a corresponding fourth set of threads extending from said rim member wall; wherein said bottom panel and said base member wall collectively define a first volume, said intermediate member wall defines a second volume, and said rim member wall defines a third volume; wherein, when said segmented beverage container is in said assembled configuration, said first volume is in fluid communication with said second volume and said second volume is in fluid communication with said third volume such that said first, second, and third volumes collectively define a central cavity having an opening extending through said rim member, said central cavity operable to receive and retain a beverage.
 2. The segmented beverage container of claim 1, further comprising a reference axis normal to said bottom panel, wherein each of said base member, said rim member, and said at least one intermediate member is centered around said reference axis.
 3. The segmented beverage container of claim 2, wherein said opening is the only fluid passageway between said central cavity and an exterior environment when said segmented beverage container is in said assembled configuration.
 4. The segmented beverage container of claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional dimension of said rim member is larger than a maximum cross-sectional dimension of said base member.
 5. The segmented beverage container of claim 2, wherein an exterior surface of said intermediate wall is tapered outward toward said rim member such that an outer diameter of said intermediate wall is larger at a first location near said rim member than at a second location near said base member.
 6. The segmented beverage container of claim 5, wherein an interior surface of said intermediate wall is tapered outward toward said rim member such that an outer diameter of said central cavity is larger at said first location than at said second location.
 7. The segmented beverage container of claim 2, wherein an outer diameter of said central cavity at a first location along said reference axis is larger than at a second location along said reference axis, wherein said second location is nearer said bottom panel than said first location.
 8. The segmented beverage container of claim 2, wherein said at least one intermediate member comprises at least two intermediate members.
 9. The segmented beverage container of claim 8, wherein a first intermediate member of said at least two intermediate members has a thickness in a direction parallel to said reference axis that is different than a thickness in said direction of a second intermediate member of said at least two intermediate members. 10-12. (canceled)
 13. The segmented beverage container of claim 1, wherein at least said at least one intermediate member comprises one of aluminum and stainless steel.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The segmented beverage container of claim 13, wherein said at least one intermediate member comprises a vacuum chamber disposed between an exterior surface of said intermediate wall and an interior surface of said intermediate wall.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The segmented beverage container of claim 1, further comprising, an additional member, wherein said additional member may be substituted for said at least one intermediate member such that said at least one intermediate member is omittable from said container in said assembled configuration; and graphically-designed exterior décor, wherein a first graphic design on said additional member is different than a second graphic design on said at least one intermediate member.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The segmented beverage container of claim 17, wherein said first and second graphic designs comprise screen printed ink.
 20. The segmented beverage container of claim 17, wherein said first and second graphic designs comprise powder-coating.
 21. The segmented beverage container of claim 17, wherein said first and second graphic designs comprise etched recesses.
 22. The segmented beverage container of claim 17, wherein said first and second graphic designs comprise paint.
 23. (canceled)
 24. The segmented beverage container of claim 1, wherein seams formed between each of said base member, said at least one intermediate member, and said rim member are flush.
 25. A method for using a segmented beverage container, comprising: providing a base member comprising a bottom panel and a first set of threads, wherein said base member is free of apertures; providing an intermediate member comprising an intermediate wall annular in shape and forming a first aperture through said intermediate member, said intermediate member further comprising second and third sets of threads, wherein said second and third sets of threads are disposed at opposite ends of said first aperture; providing a rim member comprising a rim member wall annular in shape and forming a second aperture through said rim member, said rim member further comprising a fourth set of threads and a smooth surface disposed on an opposite end of said second aperture from said fourth set of threads; assembling said segmented beverage container by engaging said first set of threads with said second set of threads and engaging said third set of threads with said fourth set of threads; pouring a beverage into a central cavity formed by said first aperture and said second aperture.
 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: disposing said beverage container on a horizontal surface such that a portion of said bottom panel contacts said horizontal surface.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein said intermediate member comprises at least two distinct segments interconnected via threads. 